Q&A: Linda Loudermilk

The full portion of this interview was originally published on Greenopia.com

My interview with L.A.-based Linda Loudermilk, a trailblazing designer on the eco-friendly fashion scene whose line of clothing—from red-carpet-worthy dresses to jeans—is made with fabrics that are sustainable and organic.

How did you start your business?

I started with a couture line that was not at all green but I knew it was not all I was supposed to do. In one of my shows I had pieces that showed my connection to nature—one showed a human body fused to a tree with a heart in it that was very goth. I realized after that show that it was the story of what I needed to do with my life: share with people ways to connect with nature, how to respect their bodies and respect nature at the same time—to really connect all the pieces and to make this life of consumerism make sense. Then I did research on sustainable fabrics. Back then, it was only organic cotton so it was very limited. I started talking to fabric and fiber manufacturers and asked to start developing new fibers and new weaves.

Best part of your job?

Constantly creating. I recreate everything I see. I can look at something and be inspired by it. I also have the opportunity to create a new business in a new market and that is a blast.

If you were a tree, what kind of tree would you be?

A Yew tree. The Yew is the oldest known tree and they have planted it historically to celebrate burial grounds, so it’s a place where the spirit resides.

Describe your path to green: how and when you became eco-conscious.

I had an experience with nature that healed me from a disease and that literal exchange told me that I needed to respect the earth. That was really a spiritual experience with nature.